Edward Gal and Glock’s Toto Jr. win Dutch Championship gold

By Equestrian Life

Edward Gal and Glock’s Toto Jr. have won Dutch Championship gold in Ermelo after winning both Big Tour classes - the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle - with impressive scores.

Edward and Glock’s Toto Jr. (Totilas x Desperados FRH) scored 86.150% in the Freestyle overnight, in a performance that saw them dance to the same Freestyle music as Totilas.

The pair also scored 80.681% in the Grand Prix Special earlier at the event.

Hans Peter Minderhoud took out the silver medal with Glock’s Dream Boy on 82.525%; the pair were also second in the Grand Prix Special on 76.489%.

Emmelie Scholtens on Desperado placed third on 81.400% in the Freestyle to earn bronze.

It was quite a performance for Edward and Toto Jr.; the stallion, who is just nine years of age, only debuted at national Grand Prix level a couple of months ago. The horse is yet to compete at international level.

Via the Glock Horse Performance Centre Facebook page, Edward had the following to say:

"There were so many emotions already when I entered the arena. It is 10 years ago that I rode this freestyle - which was composed by Joost Peters - with Totilas in Kentucky. And I never thought I would ride it once again.

“Today I sat on his son and it was incredible. I felt the tears coming up and was really overwhelmed when you gave us standing ovations.

“I’m so thankful to Kathrin Glock and Gaston Glock who gave us a new equestrian home and the chance to train and ride such amazing horses as GLOCK's Toto Jr. is. Always knowing that they won't be sold.

“I’m so thankful that they trusted us, when we adviced to buy Toto. We were convinced of him. We saw the upcoming champion and today he showed his amazing talent.

“He is a lot like his father. He has nearly the same behavior - so smart and cuddly and he really looks similar to him.

“Today is an exceptional day and I want to thank Nicole, Hans Peter and our GLOCK team and of course all our fans. You went along with me through ups and downs, really happy and really sad moments. Today we are sharing a really special and really wonderful moment. Thank you!”

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